I have a Nexus 3-spd in my Simple City. No complaints. A lower low gear would go a long way toward compensating for a heavier bike.

For comparison purposes, my alumimum Simple City weighs in at 31 lbs. with the rack, fenders, and lights. The hub generator is worth some weight too. Looks like it has one of those ghetto "bent piece of aluminum" chain guards too. Won't keep shoe laces out of the chain, but it will protect the chain against road grit kicked up from the front wheel.

Looks like it has ergonomic grips. Nice. I'm not big on the "Easy Steal" wheels. Plan on locking up both wheels when you lock this up. The brakes look like what I had on my old Schwinn Searcher GS. Very strong. The front will throw you right over the handlebar if you grab too much. The neat thing is that they grab the rim so hard that when they are wet, they still work OK.

Don't rule out aluminum too quickly.